By: Tally Daniels
Michael Ricigliano Jr. is a filmmaker whose work is defined by its depth, complexity, and a keen understanding of the human condition. His latest film, Godless, is no exception. Set to premiere on October 1, 2024, Godless explores the tumultuous intersection of faith, ambition, and politics, presenting a narrative that challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the often-complicated relationship between personal conviction and public duty.
Ricigliano, based in Long Island, New York, is not just a filmmaker; he’s an abstract painter, screenwriter, and producer with a diverse body of work. From his previous projects like The Brooklyn Banker to his successful stage play A Queen for a Day, Ricigliano has consistently shown his ability to navigate complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. However, with Godless, he delves into one of the most contentious issues of our time: the conflict between religious faith and political responsibility.
In a recent conversation, Ricigliano opened up about the creative journey behind Godless, from its initial conception as a stage play to its evolution into a feature film. “Originally, Godless was written as a play about a Tribunal of Catholic priests and the canon lawyers who are litigating a case before them,” Ricigliano shares. “As I researched more of the canon laws, the play developed into an excommunication of a politician and the circumstances surrounding it.”
This transformation from stage to screen required Ricigliano to rethink how the story would unfold, particularly in developing the film’s central characters, Governor Angela Porra and Bishop Reginald Roland. Drawing on his personal experiences and upbringing around politics, Ricigliano infused these characters with a deep sense of authenticity. “My father’s law partner was the former Republican Chairman of Nassau County and later became my partner when I joined the firm,” Ricigliano reflects. “Since the film involves the political fallout from the excommunication of a politician, I was able to draw on issues that he faced.”
Ricigliano’s approach to character development is grounded in a fundamental belief in the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of their roles or power. “Regardless of what the character does for a living or the power that person may wield, they are, in essence, a human being with the same hopes, dreams, and failings we all have,” he explains. “I try and build from there and then do the research I need to make that character believable.”
While Godless deals with highly charged themes, Ricigliano carefully avoids passing judgment, instead presenting a balanced exploration of the issues at hand. “I’m a practicing Catholic, but I wanted to write a story that does not make any judgments; it just lays out the facts and lets the audience come away with hopefully a better understanding of each point of view,” he says.
The process of directing Godless was not without its challenges, particularly given the tight shooting schedule. “We shot Godless in just over 12 days,” Ricigliano recalls. “The crew we had was fantastic, along with our producers and my first AD. They were so organized and in sync with everyone that we were able to get everything completed on time.”
Casting was another crucial element in bringing Ricigliano’s vision to life. Ana Ortiz, who plays Governor Angela Porra, was someone Ricigliano had worked with before and was eager to collaborate with again. “I had worked with Ana before on a play I wrote called Phelan House. It was such a great experience that I was hoping for an opportunity to work with her again,” he notes. “We were extremely fortunate to get her on board.”
Harry Lennix, who portrays Bishop Reginald Roland, was also a natural fit for the role. “Harry Lennix was one of the first actors I pictured playing the role. One of our producers, Jennice Fuentes, sent him the script, and within a few days, he accepted the role. Since then, Harry has become a very close friend,” Ricigliano shares.
As both writer and director, Ricigliano had to balance his creative vision with the practical demands of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the process. “For me, it was important to get other thoughts as to how a scene should play out, but ultimately, it needed to be my choice,” he says. “Collaboration is a very important part of my filmmaking process.”
Ultimately, Ricigliano hopes that Godless will offer audiences a deeper understanding of the complex issues it presents. “I hope viewers come away with a better understanding of other points of view as it relates to a politician’s obligations to their faith as well as their constituents,” he explains.
Godless is more than just a film; it reflects the difficult choices faced by those in power and is a testament to Michael Ricigliano Jr.’s ability to craft stories that resonate on a profound level. As the film prepares for its release, there is no doubt that it will spark meaningful discussions and leave a lasting impact on its audience.
Published By: Aize Perez
